How to Make Creative Text Book Covers

Students can be very hard on books. Textbooks go through the daily abuse of being pulled in and out of lockers and backpacks, being dropped on the floor and used as a hard surface on which to write. One way to protect the book from as much damage as possible is to cover it in a textbook cover. There are many creative ways to cover books and to add visual interest to a book which might otherwise be considered boring.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Scissors
• Tape
• Acid-free glue
• Markers or colored pencils
• Butcher paper or brown bag paper

Instructions

1. Measure the book. The book should be laid out open and as flat as possible.

2. Add 6 inches to the horizontal width of the book as it is laid flat and 5 inches to the vertical length of the book. Write these measurements down.

3. Measure the paper according to the width and length as written down in Step 2. Cut the paper to these measurements.

4. Lay the book flat and open on the paper. Cut a notch in each corner of the paper, either vertically or horizontally, to the edge of the book.

5. Fold the cut edges over the inside front cover and inside back cover of the book, overlapping the edges of the paper. Leave a little slack so that when you close the book, there is room for the cover to slide into.

6. Tape the corners of the book cover to secure it in place. Your book should now be covered neatly.

7. Add designs to the cover using markers or colored pencils. Geometric designs are a particular favorite with the middle school crowd, while older students may prefer to artistically write the names of favorite bands, favorite TV shows or favorite brand names.

8. Use scrapbook embellishments such as stickers and ribbons for an extra creative touch.

9. Glue photos of friends and family to the book using acid-free glue.

Tips & Warnings

• Use acid-free glue to secure embellishments or photos so as not to damage the cover or the decorative items.